Some of the mangroves at Eden Island are very thick, especially along protected inlets. These salt impermeable trees thrive along lava rock and may be thousands of years old. They create inland wetlands, perfect for marine habitat, while deadening waves and filtering out impurities. They also help breed and retain plankton. This is an attractive food for turtles, sharks and rays. So keep peering into the shallow, aquamarine water as you float along. Below your boat is an amazing world of Galápagos sea life.